Senior Civil Engineer Salary in South Burlington, VT: $157,327 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in South Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $157,327/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back South Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $152,007 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Burlington, the potential for top-tier salaries among experienced civil engineers is significant, with the 2026 projected P90 salary reaching $157,327. This figure highlights the lucrative possibilities for senior civil engineers who have honed their skills and expertise, particularly when compared to the median annual pay of $101,501. To break into the highest salary tiers, professionals in the area must cultivate specialized knowledge and experience that set them apart from their peers, focusing on crucial areas such as project management or advanced technical skills. The substantial gap between the median and the peak salaries indicates that those who invest in their professional development and gain leadership experience can fundamentally alter their earning potential in the competitive South Burlington market.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in South Burlington earn between $129,166 and $157,327 per year (2026 est.). This $87,745 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Burlington median of $101,501 sits 1.92% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | South Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $101,501 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,166 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $157,327 | $167,513 |
In South Burlington, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in South Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $101,501 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in South Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $129,166–$157,327 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced civil engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured civil engineers in South Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Civil Engineers in Vermont who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Civil Engineer Career & Wage Growth Path in South Burlington
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Burlington ranks #1 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $157,327).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in South Burlington ($157,327) is 13.68% above the Vermont average P90 ($138,397).
2019 BLS Actual
$135,770
2025 BLS Actual
$153,295
2026 Current Est.
$157,327
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,004 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,213 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,480 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,378 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,295 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,327 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,464 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in South Burlington saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $135,770 in 2019 to $153,295 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $161,464 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Civil Engineer Earnings in South Burlington
Compensation strategies for senior civil engineers in South Burlington vary widely depending on specific technical expertise and employer type. Certain niches such as structural engineering, water resources, geotechnical, and environmental engineering tend to command higher salaries. For instance, working with leading engineering consulting firms like AECOM or Jacobs often yields stronger financial rewards compared to local public works departments or smaller firms. Additionally, advanced credentials, including a Professional Engineer (PE) license and specialty certifications, can significantly enhance earning potential. Career trajectories frequently lead from engineer-in-training (EIT) to senior engineer roles, followed by opportunities as project managers or even principals within their firms. With the current infrastructure spending boom fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the demand for seasoned civil engineers continues to escalate, providing ample opportunity for those with the right qualifications and credentials to thrive in South Burlington, VT.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in South Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in South Burlington?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in South Burlington?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in South Burlington?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in South Burlington?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $153,295 for civil engineers in the South Burlington metro area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov